News

Jul 12th, 2016

Rory can’t be bothered to watch Olympic Golf

Another blow for Olympic golf

Words: John Dean Photography: Getty Images

Rory has given golf in the Olympics another good kicking this afternoon, as he has told a press conference at the Open that he won’t even be bothered to watch the Olympic golf.

Rory has confirmed that he has zero regrets about withdrawing over fears of the Zika virus, and that when he does watch the Olympics it will be the sports ‘that matter’ that will get his interest.

‘I don’t feel like I’ve let the game down at all. I didn’t get into golf to try to grow the game, I tried to get into golf to win championships and win major championships,’ said Rory.

‘I’m very happy with the decision I’ve made, I have no regrets about it. I’ll probably watch the Olympics, but I’m not sure golf will be one of the events I’ll watch.’

When asked what events he would watch, McIlroy said: ‘I’ll watch track and field, swimming, diving – you know, ones that matter.’

Golf in the Olympics is really getting a battering, and these comments won’t have helped matters for sure. Perhaps the International Golf Federation (IFG) should have consulted the players before pushing ahead for golf’s inclusion.

They might then have been able to avert the PR car crash that has engulfed golf in the Olympics before a single shot has been hit. It will be interesting to see how the IFG’s Chairman, Peter Dawson, responds.